Now this isn’t a new cigar… or even new to NZ. But somehow its managed to go un-reviewed by me (even though I have smoked a good few) and if my memory serves me, it definitely doesn’t have the stature it should have here.

The Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 was the first cigar to bear the Rocky Patel name. Smooth, well-balanced and nutty, this cigar is made with 12 year old Honduran broadleaf wrapper. The Vintage 1990 has been rated 92 by Cigar Aficionado and twice featured in the magazine’s “Top 25 Cigars of the Year”. If that paragraph doesn’t make you want to try this cigar out for yourself then I’m not sure my review will manage it either, haha, but hey, I’ll finish it either way.

BrandRocky Patel
 SizeRothschilde
Origin Honduras
WrapperHonduran
BinderHonduran
FillerDominican Republic & Nicaragua 

That to me is a damn fine looking blend. Then when you add that some of the tobacco is aged as much as 12 years its a pretty bloody impressive stick aye.

So, let’s get into it!  

Construction  9/10
Burn8/10
Draw10/10
Flavour 9/10
Complexity 10/10
Strength6.5/10

Construction & Burn

Near perfect construction, just let down slightly by the fixing of the cap lifting a bit on the join. Wrapper looks great, it has a nice thick feel to it and the box press is well shaped. Burn again is near perfect, 1 point dropped for needing a slight touch up as it moved into the second third.

Flavour & Complexity

Great flavours throughout, mostly nuts and caramel but with a nice creaminess from the ages tobaccos. Complexity for days, again something common with a well aged cigar but this did it well, nice and smooth to smoke with no harsh parts and a good balance.

Strength

Mid strength, I would say nice strong tobaccos mellowed with the ageing but I would have liked a bit more kick especially towards the end.

Overall

This cigar should be a go-to. It’s an outstanding price for what you’re getting and its a nice size for an after work stogie etc. I give this 91 points and very much recommend everyone tries it.  Get stock here

Cigar reviewer and host of An Evening with The Don - Hosted Cigar Parties. Cigar Reviewer of the Year 2015 Cigar Reviewer of the Year 2016